AROUND THE NATION.

No. 1 UConn `in sync'

January 12, 2004

Emeka Okafor fell one blocked shot short of a triple-double and No. 1 Connecticut put on one of the most impressive defensive displays of the season, knocking No. 6 Oklahoma from the ranks of the unbeaten, 86-59 Sunday.

"That's easily the best defense we played all year and we did it against a quality opponent," Okafor said. "Everything's contagious. The great defense led to our offense and it just keeps on going. We were all in sync and it showed out on the court."

Okafor had 21 points, 10 rebounds and nine blocked shots as the Huskies (13-1) forced the Sooners (10-1) into quick shots time after time in winning their 10th straight game.

Change is good

Florida State's Diego Romero could be reinstated by the NCAA as early as Monday, a move that would end what effectively was a 15-game suspension for signing two pro contracts in his native Argentina.

The NCAA Division I Management Council changed its stance on the effective date for the new amateurism standard for transfer student-athletes Sunday, making Romero now qualified under its previous ruling.

NCAA spokesman Jeff Howard said he expected Florida State would be able to make an announcement about Romero's status Monday.

Hubbard honored

Phil Hubbard's No. 35 Michigan jersey was retired and hung from the rafters of Crisler Arena on Sunday at halftime of the Indiana-Michigan game.